After completing one's own prayer, may one take three steps backward if someone is praying behind?
Synopsis
The Mechaber rules that one who has completed prayer must wait for anyone praying behind to finish before taking the three customary steps back, as stepping back while someone prays behind would appear to be passing in front of them.
More in Not Passing Before Someone Praying
May one sit within four cubits of someone praying?
4 opinions
Is one permitted to sit within four cubits if engaged in prayer-related study?
3 opinions
Is one permitted to sit within four cubits if engaged in Torah study not related to prayer?
5 opinions
Does the prohibition on sitting within four cubits apply in front of the praying person with the same force as to the sides?
4 opinions
May one sit within four cubits of a praying person if one is weak or infirm?
4 opinions
If one was already sitting and another person stands to pray nearby, must the sitting person rise?
4 opinions
Is it forbidden to pass in front of someone praying within four cubits?
4 opinions
What is the underlying reason for the prohibition on disrupting someone praying?
4 opinions
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When exactly does the four-amot waiting period begin — at the conclusion of the Amidah text or after pesi'ot acharonot (taking three steps back and reciting oseh shalom)?
Waiting Between Prayer and Eating
If one prayed a second time intending it to be voluntary due to doubt, but then one's intention or conditions change mid-prayer, may one continue praying?
Rain Prayers
If one has finished all supplications but cannot yet take three steps back because someone is praying behind him, may one respond to Amen and other congregational responses?
Concluding Repetition and Kaddish
Should one bow and step back three steps after Shemoneh Esrei in a single bow, or in multiple bows?
Priestly Blessing
During the three steps, when should one turn one's head toward the left and right?
Priestly Blessing
Discussion
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